Have you ever noticed a leak in your pool or seen that your pool was slowly sinking? If so, chances are you’ve wondered if there is a link between a leaking pool and sinkholes.
A sinkhole can happen whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. It can cause a massive and dangerous sinkhole if a pool leaks into the foundation below. The leading cause of a sinkhole is leaking water.
Sinkholes appear out of nowhere and can cause significant destruction, so it’s only natural to be concerned about this possibility. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between pools and sinkholes.
What Are Sinkholes?
Sinkholes are a common sight in Florida, caused by underground erosion. They’re formed when a large volume of water is trapped below the surface, and the ground above is unstable. Sinkholes can be small or large, depending on the water trapped in them.
The most common type of sinkhole is an open-air sinkhole, where the ground has collapsed into a hollow space below it. The soil around the edge of these holes may be eroded by rainwater or other water sources. This causes the hole’s sides to collapse, creating a more bottomless pit as more soil collapses.
Sinkholes can also form under houses or other structures if there’s insufficient support for them above ground level. This happens when heavy rainwater seeps into cracks in the construction and flows out underneath them, creating voids that can lead to further subsidence below ground level.
Sinkholes form below your house or business building and cause structural damage or even structural collapse in rare cases when this repeatedly happens over time.
What Is The Relationship Between Pools and Sinkholes?
A pool can cause a sinkhole if it is not installed correctly. Suppose a pool is installed without considering the soil type or other environmental factors. It could lead to erosion and eventual collapse in that case.
Additionally, suppose a pool is not regularly maintained and leaks occur. This could also lead to erosion over time, eventually forming a sinkhole. However, it should be noted that this process takes years, so it isn’t something you need to worry about immediately after noticing a leak in your pool!
If you want to learn more about the most common pool leaks, you can check out our blog post https://sarasotapoolleakdetection.com/?p=148.
What To Do To Keep A Sinkhole From Happening on Your Property? What To Do If One Occurs?
Sinkholes take a long time to form before they can be seen. That’s why finding a water leak is essential as soon as possible! You’ll save money, time, and stress if you find a water leak in your pool early.
Do these things to fix the problem safely if you find a sinkhole.
- Don’t go near that hole! The structure of the ground you’re standing on has broken down. Keeping kids and pets away from the area is especially important.
- Block off the area with a fence. Ensure that everyone in the area knows about the hole. The fence should be seen during the day and at night.
- Call a company that finds leaks if you think a leak in your pool causes the sinkhole. Stopping the leak as soon as possible is essential to avoid more damage.
- Talk to your insurance provider. You might find that your insurance company covers the inspection and repair of the sinkhole. But you might find out that they don’t cover either. This will help you figure out how much money you need for the right plan. For more insights as to what insurances cover, click here!
Can A Homeowner Be Held Liable for Damages Caused By A Sinkhole?
Natural processes, including the slow erosion of soil and water, often cause sinkholes. But homeowners can also be liable for damages if they do not take the necessary precautions to prevent sinkholes from forming on their property.
However, there are some circumstances in which homeowners may be held responsible for damages caused by a sinkhole. For example, suppose a homeowner negligently failed to maintain their property and caused the damage claimed by an individual or organization. They could be liable for the damages and compensatory expenses in that case.
However, this situation is rare; most sinkhole claims are settled out of court or through mediation before the homeowner is found responsible.
What Are Some of the Most Common Myths About Sinkholes That Homeowners Need to Know?
Sinkholes are a natural occurrence in many areas of the world. Still, they can threaten homeowners when they form under their homes.
Many myths surround sinkholes, and homeowners may be unaware of how much damage they can cause. Here are five common misconceptions about sinkholes that homeowners should be aware of:
- Sinkholes are caused by water intruding into the ground from underground water sources such as rivers or lakes. However, this is not always the case, and homeowners must understand that although groundwater may contribute to the formation of a sinkhole, it doesn’t always cause them. Many sinkholes occur without any indication of groundwater intrusion.
- The ground beneath your home is typically solid rock and soil, which means groundwater can’t break through and enter your property. You should be aware that there could be some hidden instability in your soil underfoot or around your foundation, if you live near an area with an active sinkhole formation or one that has recently formed in your area.
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Final Thoughts
Central Florida is especially susceptible to sinkholes because of the type of limestone that’s found here. You must keep an eye on any cracks or leaks if you have a pool. A leaking pool can cause severe damage to your home and property, not to mention the potential danger to your family if a sinkhole opens up.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – call (561) 570-1269 now, and we will schedule a pool repair and renovation. We want to help you avoid costly repairs down the road, so call us today!